Essex trails similar to Peak District

ali4390

Hi all,

I have recently moved down to Essex from Derby. As well as finding it difficult to understand what people are saying (why do you all add 'r' into words like bath?!), I am also missing trails like we have in the peak district. I am assuming there are lots of similar trails but I haven't found any yet so where are they? I'm talking about natural routes that incorporate beautiful views, testing rides, fun trails through woods etc all on the same run. I like trail centres etc but having started going on these more 'natural' rides I am hooked and so would like to find suitable runs down here!

I'm based in Brentwood but can travel so doesn't have to be right on the doorstep. I've tried looking for a book filled with routes like I have for the Peak District but couldn't really find anything the same so suggestions of books would also be appreciated!

Cheers all

scottfitz

Epping forest is not to far away for natural singletrack: http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/mtb-trails.php
Swinley forest is worth a drive round the M25: http://www.gorrick.com/swinley/

you not going to find anything like the peaks in the south east

miss notax

scottfitz wrote:

you not going to find anything like the peaks in the south east

This was my thought. Why do you think us southerners all drive up to the Peaks to go MTBing....?!!

ali4390

miss notax wrote:

scottfitz wrote:

you not going to find anything like the peaks in the south east

This was my thought. Why do you think us southerners all drive up to the Peaks to go MTBing....?!!

Bloody hell, doesn't seem like there's much going for the south!

Suppose it gives me the chance for a few weekend trips at least.

scottfitz

"Bloody hell, doesn't seem like there's much going for the south!"

Not sure about that!

Not encluding local Race (not done that list yet)

Where i live XC:

Hampshire:
QECP, Red grade waymarked trail
South downs way
Hindhead
Lordswood
New forest

West Sussex:
Kingley Vale
Whiteways
Stammer Park
Styning

Surrey
leith hill
Peaslake
North Downs way
Swinley forest

Dorset:
Puddletown Woods
moors vally Contry park.
Purbeck Hills
Wareham forest

Wiltshire:
Salisbury Plain

Other Places in the south worth a visit:

South east:
PORC
Tilgate Forest
Bedgebury forest
Friston forest

South west:
Quantocks
Dartmoor
Exmoor

South wales:
Cwmcarn
Afan
Brechfa

DH & FR near me:

Hampshire:
Gravity Project, Private but can pay per day £5
Rogate, CTC affiliated live now.
Hindhead, unofficial but bits and bobs there
Lordswood, unofficial but bits and bobs there

West Sussex:
Stoughton DH, will be a CTC affiliated when it goes live.

Dorset:
UK Bike Park, only local place with uplift
Puddletown Woods, unofficial but lots in there
Watchmoor Bike Park at moors vally Contry park.

Wiltshire:
Tidworth, will be a CTC affiliated when it goes live.

Other Places in the south worth a visit:

South east:
PORC
Bulltrack
Tilgate

South west:
Gawton
FOD, with uplift
tiscombe

Just north of Us:
Aston Hill, CTC affiliated live now.
Swinley forest
Chicksands

South wales:
Cwmcarn, with uplift

ali4390

This would be the bit where I stand corrected!

Thanks for that, looks like a pretty comprehensive list.

scottfitz

that is base on my local area (portsmouth and out in a arc) there is lots of stuff in the south .

Check out these guys for your area http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/

robertpb

As you live in Brentwood you can ride to Thorndon, plenty to ride there.

You'll need a guide as lots of the trails are not easy to find.

Essex riding is not the same as riding the Peaks but then the Peaks is not the same as riding the Alps or Pyrenees, they are all just different and all enjoyable in there own way. Just make the most of what's about and enjoy the riding.